Computing required backplane or switch fabric speed

[davidsonrt]

How do I determine the required backplane or switch fabric speed for my core switch?

For example, let's say I have 10 communications closets in a distributed LAN using 3700 series switches at the access layer.  I need to make a recommendation to the CIO concerning which switch would serve best at the core layer.  In order to do that, I need to support my recommendation with a rational argument considering cost, scalability, functionality, etc.  I can't simply say, "Buy a 6509." 

So what metrics do I look at in my network to determine the most cost effective model?  All of the hosts will be connecting to a server suite for enterprise services such as email, SharePoint, etc.  All the access switches will be connected to the core, and the network will be logically divided by VLANs.  There will be very little streaming data such as video, but there will be VoIP services.     

Thanks.

Rick               

[Wilson Bonilla]

Hello

By any chance do you have a NMS where you can find how many packets per second is your network generating as a whole, for example depending on the amount of packets, it can help you to determine what switch better suite in your core layer, for example a regular sup720 can handle up to 400 millions of packets per second.

Take at look at this doc for more information about supervisor compatibility.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/switches/ps5718/ps708/product_data_sheet09186a0080159856.html

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